Renovation Church

Pastor

Education

"I was a little shocked," said Bryan Schwartz, whose kitchen in his home took an unhappy turn under the direction of designer Hilda Santo-Tomas, the take-charge brunette known for wearing pearls and sandals.

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What Santo-Tomas did might have worked for another family but not for Schwartz and his wife, Diane.

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Schwartz, an associate pastor at Morning Star Christian Church, doesn't drink or allow alcohol in his home, so within hours of the big "reveal," the labels were steamed off the walls.The next day, the damaged wallpaper had to be removed and the kitchen painted.

The pastor suspects the wine design may have been offensive on purpose, to provoke a reaction for the camera.But neither of the Schwartzes shrieked or cried.They were just stunned.Nor were they angry with their neighbours, who loved the redesign of their dining room.

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"Actually it strengthened our friendship," Schwartz said."Steve came over and helped me take it all down."

The transformed family rooms at the homes of the Schoolars and the Linxwilers are a different story.The Schoolars consider their beautiful new floor-to-ceiling, carved pecan fireplace front a showpiece.

From what I have heard about Bryan Schwartz, some things haven't changed.

He is still a big, friendly South Dakota farm boy with a combine bin full of passion.The 6-foot-4 former linebacker loves his family and home state, and he still attacks life like a heat-seeking missile.

However, this is the new and improved Bryan Schwartz.Kinder and gentler.The quick temper that sometimes served him well in high school, college and pro football has dissolved into patience, love and a deeper understanding of what is really important in life.

"The difference is that I am working a new owner now," said Schwartz, whose 30-year-old body has recovered from knee and leg injuries that shortened his football career."I work for the Lord, and thankfully, he is not going to fire me if I don't produce on some days.The Lord has a little more grace than your average NFL coach."

Schwartz, who grew up on a dairy farm five miles east of St. Lawrence, was the featured speaker Monday night at the fifth annual Clergy Appreciation Banquet in Aberdeen.It was sponsored by Heartland Men of Integrity and March for Jesus.

Schwartz, who spent five years playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the National Football League, is now senior associate pastor at Morning Star Christian Church in Austin, Texas.

Not only will you find a more content man, for those of you in the area who knew and competed against the 1990 Miller High School graduate, but one with a Texas drawl as well.

He said his three daughters have that same drawl, and he and wife Diane are expecting a fourth Texan.

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Schwartz said there are similarities between pro athletes and ministers."Every day.I have opposition trying to stop me from doing the things that God wants me to do with my life.But every day, I strap on the armor of God and go to battle.There are a lot of sacrifices that have to be made.Just like a training camp, you sometimes have to get down with God, and it is not always easy.But He gives you that extra wind to make it through the tough times."

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Schwartz has fond memories growing up as an athlete in the Miller area, including Aberdeen."I love this city," he told the crowd of more than 200.

"Today we drove by Northern State and Dacotah Hall and all these memories started flashing back to me," said Schwartz."When I was in grade school, we always came to Aberdeen every year for the big Y basketball tournament.And I remember coming to Aberdeen to play Roncalli, and in the summer, we would come to Aberdeen for Teener and Legion baseball tournaments.Getting back to this area and this whole state has been like a breath of fresh air for me."

Schwartz said he is an all or nothing type of guy.For example, he said the air conditioning in his car is either going full blast, or its turned off.

His message was well-received on Monday night.Fellow ministers thanked him for his uplifting message.

Schwartz continues to shine even though he is no longer a star in the bright lights of a world stage like Monday Night Football.

Sure, he isn't signing a $1.3 million contract or leading the team with 165 tackles like he did in his rookie NFL season fresh from Augustana College.

But it is obvious that the rewards Schwartz reaps from the word of God is much more satisfying.

Bryan was raised in Miller, South Dakota and attended Augustana Univ. where he played linebacker for four years.
Following graduation, Bryan was a second round draft pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars where he was named to the NFL All-Rookie team and set the Jaguars single season record for tackles.
He is on the Jaguars all-time career tackles list.
His NFL career was cut short after five years due to a serious injury.

After leaving the NFL, Bryan served as Assoc.Pastor in Jacksonville, FL and then moved his family to Austin, TX to become the Assoc.
Pastor of Chrsit Community Church from 2002-2005.
This led Bryan to Colorado in 2005 to be the Senior Pastor of a church plant, Renovation Church, in Broomfield, CO.

Bryan has a testimony that is powerful.
He can testify to having been brought up without any spirituality and encountering the Living God in 96 while playing in the NFL in Jacksonville, FL.
Bryan and his wife, Diane both had radical conversion experiences and have seen God do some tremendous miracles.

From Bryan- "Our friends have expressed to us how much they have enjoyed their times at the Ranch and how God has really moved in their lives the times they have been there."

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Bryan Schwartz

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This is a private week for Bryan's church staff and families.

After leaving the NFL, Bryan served as Assoc.Pastor in Jacksonville, FL and then moved his family to Austin, TX to become the Assoc.
Pastor of Chrsit Community Church from 2002-2005.
This led Bryan to Colorado in 2005 to be the Senior Pastor of a church plant, now Renovation Church in Broomfield, CO.

Bryan has a testimony that is powerful.
He can testify to having been brought up without any spirituality and encountering the Living God in 96 while playing in the NFL in Jacksonville, FL.
Bryan and his wife, Diane both had radical conversion experiences and have seen God do some tremendous miracles.

Brian Schwartz came in in the middle of the prayer and joined us.
It was amazing.
Posted 6/8/2005 3:40 AM by Goku79703 - reply

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A short tidbit of my long camp story also includes Pastor Brian Schwartz.
It was when we had camp at camp Butman in Abielene so I think that was in 2001, I dunno maybe.
Anywho, there was a meeting about getting gifts from the Holy Spirit and I went and they all prayed and basically Brian just helped me personally get my prayer language.